In related news, this is Scout, our new dog. A canine willing to let squirrel-like rodents run amok, she is not.
Not pictured: The squirrel who met a gruesome end after mistaking Scout for a typical, non-hardscrabble-fend-for-yourself-former-stray type dog.

FYI: Circa '80s vintage, Canadian-built, steering-wheeled sleds found for free on the curb during the summer are worth strapping onto the Big Dummy. Who looks silly now? Just saying...

Not much beats the combo of a well-groomed sled hill and no school over winter break.

Just because science has advanced to a point where pancakes can be made with M&Ms and sprinkled with "elf dust," it will never emerge as the wisest formula for a nutritious breakfast.

Lastly, this view still comprises the extent of my world most of the time. But not for long.
Happy 2012, everyone!